Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breast Recipe in 30 Minutes

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As summer sun shines in, the smell of grilled lemon and herb chicken wafts through the kitchen. It invites everyone to the dinner table. This grilled lemon herb chicken breast recipe is quick, easy, and full of fresh flavors. It feels like a Mediterranean backyard barbecue.

In just 30 minutes, you can make a delicious, juicy chicken dish. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or a summer party. The marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs makes the chicken taste amazing. This recipe lets you enjoy the outdoors while cooking a tasty meal.

This grilled lemon herb chicken breast recipe will impress anyone. It’s also a healthy, satisfying dinner choice. Serve it with salads, roasted veggies, or fluffy rice for a complete meal. It’s a celebration of summer’s best flavors.

Table of Contents

Why This Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

Grilled lemon herb chicken is perfect for summer. It’s great for quick dinners or backyard barbecues. This recipe is healthy, low-calorie, and loved by many.

Perfect for Quick Weeknight Dinners

This recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. The marinade is quick, and the chicken is tender and juicy.

Healthy and Flavorful Option

This chicken is packed with protein and low in carbs. It’s a nutritious choice that tastes amazing. The marinade gives it a tangy, herbaceous flavor that everyone will love.

Versatile Serving Options

You can serve this chicken in many ways. Try it over a salad, with roasted veggies, or in sandwiches. The possibilities are endless.

This recipe is a hit with its bright flavors and easy prep. It’s a new favorite for healthy meals and quick dinners.

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breast

To make the perfect grilled lemon herb chicken, start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are lean and versatile. For the marinade, you’ll need extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary.

Garlic and onion powder add depth. Salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes finish it off. For more citrus, add lemon zest. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a stronger flavor.

IngredientQuantity
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts1.5 lbs (approximately 5 chicken breasts)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil1/4 cup
Fresh Lemon Juice1/4 cup
Dried Basil1 tbsp
Dried Parsley1 tbsp
Dried Thyme1 tsp
Dried Rosemary1 tsp
Garlic, minced2 cloves
Onion Powder1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Black Pepper1/2 tsp
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)1/4 tsp
Lemon Zest (optional)1 tbsp

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty and easy grilled chicken dish. It’s sure to please your taste buds.

The Perfect Lemon Herb Marinade

Take your grilled lemon chicken to the next level with a simple yet flavorful marinade. The secret is in the mix of fresh citrus, herbs, and spices. This zesty blend will make your chicken taste amazing.

Marinade Base Components

The marinade starts with key ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano. These ingredients create a marinade that makes your chicken taste bright, tangy, and herbaceous.

Fresh vs. Dried Herbs

Choosing between fresh and dried herbs depends on what you like and what’s available. Dried herbs pack a stronger flavor, perfect for a bold taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a fresh, vibrant taste.

Optimal Marinating Time

For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for 30 minutes to 12 hours. The longer it marinates, the stronger the lemon flavor. But, marinating too long can change the chicken’s texture, so watch the time.

IngredientQuantity
Extra Virgin Olive Oil⅓ cup
Lemon Juice¼ cup
Garlic Cloves, minced4
Dried Basil1 tsp
Dried Thyme1 tsp
Dried Oregano1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Black Pepper½ tsp

Follow this recipe and adjust the marinating time to make a lemon herb chicken marinade that will make your grilled chicken taste amazing. Try it out and see the difference it makes.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the delicious grilled lemon herb chicken breasts, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. First, you’ll need a grill or grill pan to cook the chicken right. You’ll also need a mixing bowl or jar for the lemon herb marinade.

Measuring spoons are key for getting the right amounts of seasonings and herbs. A whisk is great for mixing the marinade well. Tongs are important for handling the chicken while grilling. And, a meat thermometer is essential to check if the chicken is cooked to 165°F.

A lemon juicer and zester can make things easier for getting fresh lemon juice and zest. Lastly, a gallon-sized zip-top bag or shallow dish is perfect for marinating the chicken before grilling.

EquipmentPurpose
Grill or Grill PanFor cooking the chicken
Mixing Bowl or JarFor preparing the marinade
Measuring SpoonsFor accurately measuring ingredients
WhiskFor blending the marinade
TongsFor handling the chicken during grilling
Meat ThermometerFor ensuring the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature
Lemon Juicer and Zester (optional)For extracting fresh lemon juice and zest
Gallon-Sized Zip-Top Bag or Shallow DishFor marinating the chicken

With these grilling tools and chicken preparation equipment, you’re ready to make perfect grilled lemon herb chicken breasts every time.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Preparing the chicken for this lemon herb grilled chicken recipe is easy. Start by removing any extra fat or skin from the chicken breasts. If the breasts are different sizes, pound them to make them even. This helps them cook evenly.

Making the [lemon herb marinade]

In a bowl or a jar, mix the marinade ingredients. You’ll need herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until everything is well mixed.

Marinating Process

  • Put the trimmed chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
  • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets.
  • Save a little marinade for basting the chicken while it’s grilling.

By following these steps, you’ll have your chicken and marinade ready for grilling. The marinating process adds bright, herbal flavors to the chicken. Next, we’ll cover grilling techniques for the best results.

Grilling Techniques for Perfect Results

Grilling chicken breast is a great way to enjoy a tasty summer meal. To get delicious grilled lemon herb chicken breast, use these easy techniques.

Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium-high, about 400-450°F (204-232°C). Lightly oil the grates to stop the chicken from sticking. This step is key for perfect grill marks and juicy, tasty chicken.

Then, take the chicken out of the marinade and throw away any leftover liquid. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until it’s 165°F (75°C) inside. Don’t overcook it, as this can make the chicken dry and tough.

If the chicken starts to stick, don’t force it off the grates. Wait a minute before trying to flip it again. This gentle method helps the chicken come off easily, keeping it tender.

To add more flavor, brush the chicken with the leftover marinade in the last few minutes of grilling. This step adds a nice mix of lemon and herbs to the meat.

It’s important to let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This lets the juices spread out, making the chicken moist and full of flavor.

By using these grilling tips, you’ll get tender, juicy grilled chicken breast every time. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a summer grilling party.

Temperature Guidelines and Cooking Times

To get perfectly grilled chicken breasts, you need to focus on the right internal temperature and cooking times. The chicken should hit 165°F (74°C) inside for it to be safe to eat. This makes sure the chicken is fully cooked and the juices are clear.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts usually take 5-7 minutes per side to grill at medium-high heat (400-450°F or 204-232°C). The exact time can change based on how thick the chicken is. Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature.

Internal Temperature Requirements

Chicken is fully cooked and safe at 165°F (74°C) inside. This temperature is key to killing harmful bacteria and making the chicken tender and juicy.

Resting Time Importance

After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting time helps the juices spread evenly, making the meat tender and flavorful. Cutting into the chicken too soon can let the juices out, making it dry.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Make your grilled chicken dinner ideas even better by adding tasty side dishes. Try pairing the lemon herb chicken with grilled veggies like zucchini or asparagus. A fresh salad, like spinach or mixed greens, is also a great choice.

The lemon herb chicken goes well with rice dishes or roasted potatoes too. For a nice touch, top the chicken with fresh herbs and lemon slices. You can also slice the chicken and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or pasta.

Side DishPrep TimeCooking Time
Quinoa Tabbouleh25 minutes–
Balsamic Grilled Brussels Sprouts5 minutes15 minutes
Cauliflower Steak5 minutes30 minutes
Charred Lemon-Garlic Broccoli5 minutes15 minutes
Smoky Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges5 minutes30 minutes
Grilled Ratatouille5 minutes15 minutes
Cilantro Lime Rice10 minutes12 minutes

Adding different side dishes can turn a basic grilled chicken dinner into a feast. It meets various tastes and dietary needs.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Proper storage and handling of your delicious grilled lemon herb chicken is key to enjoying the leftovers. Whether you have a few extra servings or plan to make extra for meal prep, follow these guidelines to keep your chicken fresh and flavorful.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store any leftover grilled lemon herb chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored this way. Be sure to refrigerate the chicken within 2 hours of cooking for food safety.

Freezing Instructions

  • For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe airtight container or resealable bag.
  • Properly frozen, the chicken will maintain its quality for up to 4 months in the freezer.
  • When ready to use, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Methods

  1. Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
  2. Skillet: Heat a skillet over low-medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until heated throughout.
  3. Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until fully warmed.

Regardless of the reheating method, avoid reheating the chicken more than once to maintain food safety and quality. Enjoy your flavorful grilled lemon herb chicken leftovers throughout the week!

Conclusion

This grilled lemon herb chicken breast recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy meal. It’s great for casual dinners or summer barbecues. The ingredients are simple, and it’s easy to make, appealing to both new and seasoned cooks.

Looking for a dish that fits your diet? This recipe works for low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, or paleo diets. It’s all about food safety and cooking tips for juicy, well-cooked chicken. You can also adjust the flavors to your liking, making it a favorite at home.

Ready to grill? Marinate the chicken and enjoy the fresh, zesty taste of this easy grilled chicken. It’s perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests. Have fun cooking and share your experiences with us!

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